In a performance that will be etched in the annals of Italian sporting history, Italy thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets in their Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The victory marks Italy’s first-ever win in an ICC T20 World Cup, coming in their debut appearance in the 2026 tournament.
After a tough opening loss to Scotland by 73 runs, the Italians bounced back with a ruthlessness that silenced a sea of Nepalese supporters. Led by the Mosca brothers (Justin and Anthony), Italy chased down a target of 124 in just 12.4 overs without losing a single wicket.
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Italy’s win is a major upset given Nepal’s stronger associate-nation status and recent competitive showings (including troubling higher-ranked teams like England in recent times).
BEN FATTO ITALIA
Also, well played @CricketNep . Hard luck today, but remember the only way from here is upwards. pic.twitter.com/RfGvoK25bW
— Italy Cricket (@ItalyCricket) February 12, 2026
Italy vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Match Highlights
Coming into this match, both the teams had a point to prove. Tournament debutants Italy are eager to show that they are not here to make up the numbers, while Nepal suffered a heartbreaking loss to England in their opening match.
In this battle of associate nations, it was Italy who came out with the right intent at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After electing to field, they put in a clinical performance with the ball and in the field to dismiss Nepal for 123. They never let up in the chase as well, cantering to the target in 12.4 overs. It was the kind of calm, dominant show befitting an experienced team rather than World Cup rookies.
From pole to podium, the Italians were in charge. The Nepal innings never really got going after losing Kushal Bhurtel. Captain Rohit Paudel tried to inject some urgency with a 23 off 14 balls and Aarif Sheikh top-scored with 27 lower down the order.
However, Italy’s spin-heavy attack and impressive fielding kept Nepal at bay. Not only did they clamp down the scoring, they also took timely wickets. Karan KC gave the innings a late fillip with a quickfire 18, but Nepal folded at 123 in 19.3 overs.
Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage finished with three wickets, including that of captain Pauel and the experienced Dipendra Singh Airee, while off-spinner Benjamin Manenti was exceptional, claiming 2/9 in his four overs.
Mosca Brothers On Fire
The Italians made a meal of the modest total. Anthony Mosca and brother Justin Mosca were unstoppable, as they matched each other stroke for stroke, power for power.
Justin struck five fours and three sixes for 60 not out, while Anthony, three years older, slammed six sixes and three fours for an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls.
